Saving for the future

Christopher Campbell, Process Improvement Officer, talks about his long term outlook for retirement and how he’s actively ensuring that he’s making the most out of the Fund.

I joined the Fund the same day I joined NZAS 14 years ago. Since turning 50 last year I have thought more about the importance of saving for retirement. I feel I’m at the age where I need to be proactive in my savings to be able to achieve the goals I have set for myself and my family once I reach retirement. I recently increased my contributions and transferred into a growth fund to help grow my retirement savings. The more money I invest and the older I get, the more carefully I have to consider my options to ensure I am choosing the right investment mix.

Over my years of membership in the Fund, I have changed my investment options depending on how the world economy is performing. When the global financial crisis hit around 10 years ago, it changed the way I look at investing and saving. I changed the allocation of my investments in the Fund to be more diversified, with the goal of minimising losses, and I learnt not to panic when markets drop, knowing that there will always be fluctuation.

I keep track of how my retirement savings are going by checking online statements and reading through the information sent out. I also speak with colleagues when questions arise. When looking towards the future, saving now is incredibly important to me so that I have the funds available to do the things that are important to my family.

I enjoy keeping up my fitness by mountain biking, running, coaching kids’ sport and watching my son play. But for retirement I look forward to having more time to support and nurture my family, as well as travelling and doing up the odd motorbike. I would highly recommend the NZAS Retirement Fund to each employee. From my experience over the years, the Fund encourages and supports members in their saving, enabling us to have more in the future, and as a result, a more comfortable lifestyle in retirement.

To find out more about the investment options, please visit the website at www.realsuper.superfacts.co.nz or contact the Helpline on 0508 266 787.